IWD Light Up shines a focus on women's equality

International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is all about connection, collaboration, and community. 

It's a day that truly elevates and celebrates the focus on women's equality. And what better way to raise awareness, Accelerate Action for women's equality and rally for further change, than to invite communities across the world to reinforce their commitment to women's advancement.

The annual IWD Light Up is a collaborative campaign that sees IWD's iconic purple - the color of women and justice - splashed across every corner of the world.

Iconic landmarks and infrastructure worldwide adorn the IWD purple on International Women's Day, March 8, as they participate in awareness raising efforts to help elevate the focus on women's equality.

For a number of years, organizations have collaborated thorugh lighting up their infrastructure to help spread positive messaging for International Women's Day.
    

Be part of the annual IWD Light Up on March 8

Does your organization want to get involved in the annual IWD Light Up on March 8? 

If so, reach out and make contact. Everyone everywhere is welcome.

And send in your images if you'd like your participation showcased to the world. See some of them here.
 

London Eye supported the IWD 2024 Light Up 

2024 saw the iconic international landmark, London Eye, lead the IWD Light Up campaign.

Sandra Sheahan, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments, lastminute.com London Eye, said: “The London Eye team are honoured to be an official partner of International Women’s Day, leading the 2024 IWD Light Up, illuminating purple for #InspireInclusion across the London skyline, alongside other landmarks around the world. “Inclusivity should always be at the forefront of our minds, and we believe that everyone deserves a chance to make unforgettable memories, and that’s why we’re dedicated to removing barriers now and in the future.”

The lastminute.com London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel, at 135 metres high it's London's only moving view of the city. Built to celebrate the millennium, since 2000 London Eye has taken multimillions of people on a journey across London’s skyline. A symbol of the London community and a symbol known internationally, the London Eye is proud to be the iconic landmark leading the annual International Women’s Day Light Up 2024 campaign.

"With the importance of #InspireInclusion ever increasing, the London Eye team continually looks to amplify focus on women's equality, celebrate women's achievements, and increase community awareness in London and beyond," commented London Eye's management.

Get involved with IWD Light Up in your city

Organizations worldwide are invited to participate and be promoted as part of the annual IWD Light Up.

Check out just some of the many IWD Light Up participants here.

Iconic buildings participate in IWD Light Up

Across the world, iconic landmarks serve an important function in bringing together communities committed to women's equality.

For a number of years, for example, iconic buildings in New York such as One Bryant Park, One Five One, and One World Trade Center, owned by the Durst Organization, have participated in IWD Light Up in association with Spireworks.

Lighting up these iconic landmarks on March 8 to mark International Women's Day, New York has seen some of its most renowned buildings awash with the message of women's equality.

Coupled with exciting events, such as the IWD Light Up gatherings with The Security Traders Association of New York's (STANY) Women in Finance Group organized by Senior Trader Johanna Rossi and STANY CEO Kimberly Unger, impact is forged both inside and out of these impressive structures. 

IWD Light Up provides an important fundraising focus  

Lighting up is also often accompanied by an element of IWD giving which sees significant fundraising to support the important work of women-focused charities.

For example, for International Women's Day one year, Spireworks helped raise over USD 30,000 in donations. 

A collaborative global community campaign 

Here are ways to get involved with IWD Light Up in your city.

• Support your local IWD Light Up by visiting IWD Light Up landmarks, taking pictures, and sharing on social media with #IWDlightup.
   
• Tell local landmarks about IWD Light Up and invite them to participate. There's no cost to be involved with this free worldwide campaign.
   
• Host your own IWD event in collaboration with an IWD Light Up venue.
   
• Cover your local IWD Light Up in an article to be potentially published on the IWD website. Submissions invited here.
   
• Reach out with further ideas and feedback on how to make IWD Light Up even bigger and better.

Big or small, impact comes from anywhere

So whether it's a skyscraper, tourist landmark, sporting stadium, shopping mall, school or university, local library, or even a private residence - anyone anywhere can get involved in IWD Light Up.

That's the collaborative and inclusive spirit of IWD.

And remember, all IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.